Meet the Maker: Angele Carter of Fabric and Ink

We’re playing with felt for our next kit (you can see what we’re making here) so I couldn’t resist introducing you to Angele Carter of Fabric and Ink. I’ve been following Angele’s amazing felt creations on Instagram for some time, often squinting at my phone screen at the exquisite detail she manages to capture!

We talked to Angele about her background, inspiration and advice for those starting out with felt.

How did you first get into working with felt?

I first started working with felt about 6 years ago and fell in love with how versatile it is. I bought a pack of mixed wool felt sheets from a craft website and have never looked back..

Can you tell us how your first project went?

My first project was a batch of simple pincushions which were Christmas gifts for friends and family. They were loved and two of my friends encouraged me to consider making them and to open an Etsy shop. My stitches were a bit big and clumsy on those first pincushions and my shapes weren’t as neatly cut as they are now!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am constantly inspired by nature and I take lots of photos when I am out and about. I’m most inspired when I go up to the mountains and hike in the forest or at the lake. I use the photos I’ve taken to do sketches and create patterns. You’ll see a lot of woodland themes in my work.

What do you love most about the process?

I am fortunate that I get to do something that I love. I find stitching soothing. I teach part time and sometimes it’s stressful so sitting down with some embroidery is a good way to decompress.

Sometimes I just sit with a pile of felt scraps, something good on Netflix and cut out tiny flowers. I don’t use any dies, all my felt pieces are cut freehand with a very sharp pair of small scissors!

What would be your best advice for those starting out?

For those starting to use felt, I would say that a sharp pair of small scissors is essential. I’ve found that those with non-stick blades make the cleanest cuts on felt. Other than that, relax and enjoy the soft feel of the felt and take joy in all the colours and the pretty things you can create.

I keep my different felt projects in small plastic boxes so that I can grab a box and work on it if I am out and about. I used to work in the car while my daughter had riding lessons and I’ve been seen stitching at the hair salon, dentist office and on airplanes – it’s a very portable craft.

What’s next for you, any upcoming projects you’re working on?

In the future, I’d like to start offering patterns of my designs and maybe kits. I love to experiment with different ways to use felt, for example in jewellery, so I will keep trying new things. I’d love to write a felt craft book one day!

A big thanks to Angele for this interview – we hope you enjoyed it & can see the potential in felt. I’d love to head out with Angele on one of her woodland walks!